Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra is an American politician and attorney serving as the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 33rd Attorney General of California and represented California in the United States House of Representatives for over two decades. Becerra is the first Latino to hold the position of HHS Secretary.

Early life and education

Born in Sacramento, California to working-class Mexican American parents, his father was born in Jalisco, Mexico. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Stanford University and later a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School. After graduating, he worked as a deputy attorney general in the California Department of Justice under then-Attorney General John K. Van de Kamp.

Early political career

Becerra began his political career as a legislative aide in the California State Senate. He was later appointed to the State Bar's Board of Governors. In 1990, he was elected to the California State Assembly, representing parts of Los Angeles County. During his single term in the California State Legislature, he served on influential committees like the Revenue and Taxation Committee.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992, Becerra represented various Los Angeles districts for 24 years, including California's 30th congressional district and California's 34th congressional district. He served on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means and was the first Latino to serve on the House Committee on the Budget. He also chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and served as House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair under then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

California Attorney General

Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2017 to succeed Kamala Harris, Becerra was subsequently elected to a full term in 2018. As Attorney General of California, he led numerous multistate lawsuits against the administration of President Donald Trump, particularly regarding healthcare, environmental policy, and immigration policies like the travel ban. He also established a Bureau of Environmental Justice within the California Department of Justice.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Nominated by President Joe Biden in December 2020, Becerra's confirmation faced significant Republican opposition, but he was confirmed by the United States Senate in March 2021. As Secretary, he has overseen the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the rollout of vaccines, and the implementation of provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. His tenure has also focused on defending the Affordable Care Act and addressing issues like prescription drug prices and maternal health.

Political positions and public image

Becerra is considered a staunch progressive, with a record of advocating for universal healthcare, climate change mitigation, and immigration reform. His legal battles as Attorney General of California against the Trump administration made him a prominent figure in the political resistance. He has received awards from organizations like the National Association of Attorneys General and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. His confirmation as HHS Secretary was supported by groups including the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association. Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Health and Human Services Category:Attorneys General of California Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from California Category:California State Assembly members Category:Stanford University alumni Category:American people of Mexican descent Category:21st-century American politicians